Helen L Rodgers

A Time to be Born:

Helen was born on July 26, 1924. She was the youngest of four daughters and five sons. She was the eighth child born to Lillie Rooks-Melton and John Melton, Sr. in Mitchell’s Township of Bertie County in Aulander, NC. She was educated in Aulander public school system. Her mother died May 29, 1938, when she was 14 years old. Her eldest sister, Eleanor Crockett, brought her to Washington, DC to live with her and her husband Warren B. Crockett and to continue her education.

A Time to Live:

In the early 40’s, she moved to a house on Corcoran Street, NW, WDC that rented rooms. There she met Corrine Williams. They became good friends, as did one of her brothers. She loved to dance and hang out with them. She worked as a waitress at a seafood restaurant. There she met and later married Robert Rodgers who preceded her in death.

She moved to Atlantic City, NJ and resided with her mother’s sister, Francis Farley, during the late 40’s. She tried working at a few hotels, but chambermaid work was not her stronghold. She then became a cab driver for a female black-owned cab association. She continued driving cab for 40 years.

February 1957, she joined Atlantic City, NJ Police Department as a crossing guard. She received recognition for 50 years of service devoted to protecting the city’s school children and community. She spent many of those years at one of the busiest intersections of Martin Luther King Boulevard, Bacharach Boulevard and Baltic Avenue. Later she was posted at Ohio Avenue and Bacharach Boulevard. April 2007, she retired. The Police Department, Mayor and numerous co-workers and friends presented her with plaques, awards & certificates for a job well done. They noted she rarely called in sick, often stayed late, trained new guards, and became a mentor to many of them. Retirement also allowed her to travel more frequently to be with her family and friends.

On Sundays, she drove a cab taking others to church. She always maintained her faith in God and made sure Jackie went to church every Sunday. However, after 40 years of driving cab she resumed going to church at Second Baptist.

August 2007, she decided to move back to Washington, DC where her one and only child, Jacqueline “Jackie”, was born and resided. She was adamant about having her own space. We were fortunate to find an apartment building for seniors, with 16 units, that was in the same block in which her daughter lived.

A Time to Depart:

During her latter days she reminded Jackie that “none of us come to stay”. She remained in her apartment until she took her last breath. She is survived by her daughter, Jacqueline “Jackie” Rodgers-Hart (Washington, DC) and a host of relatives and friends.

Life’s Rewards

After the clouds, the sunshine

After the winter, the spring

After the showers, the rainbow

For Life is a changeable thing

After the night, the morning,

Bidding all darkness cease.

After life’s cares and sorrows,

The comfort and sweetness of peace.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.fort-lincoln.com for the Rodgers family.